Tamiya Corporation

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese manufacturer of plastic model kits, radio controlled electric and nitro-powered car models, battery- and solar-powered educational models, and sailboat models. The company was founded by Shunsaku Tamiya in Shizuoka, Japan in the early 1960s. The company has gained a reputation among hobbyists of producing models of outstanding quality and accurate scale detail. Some of their most notable products include:

• The Sand Scorcher and Rough Rider , released in 1979 and credited as the first radio controlled cars to feature a proper off-road suspension.

• The original Blackfoot monster truck kit and its variations, first released in 1983 and credited with much of the hobby's growth.

• The Clodbuster 1/10th scale radio-controlled monster truck released in 1984 as the first R/C monster truck with two drive motors, four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering. The Clodbuster virtually spawned an aftermarket industry of its own which catered to those who wished to modify their models.

• The Mini 4WD and Dangun-Racer series, which are small, free-operating electric models designed to run in competition on a special, deeply channeled track.

• The TRF414 radio controlled car; holder of the 2002-04 1/10th scale touring car world champion title.

• The TRF415 , holder of the 2005 1/10th scale radio controlled touring car world champion title.

• The Hornet , a radio controlled buggy first released in 1984. It would go on to become one of the most popular R/C kits of all time and has recently been re-released.

Tamiya has several large regional divisions, notably in the Aliso Viejo, California home of "Tamiya USA," the North, Central and South American branch responsible for many of the company's racing developments. Tamiya USA also features a world-class racing facility which is the site of several world championship events. An assembly plant is located in the Philippines and Germany is the home of "Tamiya Europe's" operations.

External link

• Official page with links to worldwide sites